The X-Factor: Last night, the actress wore a slim Naeem Khan gown covered in floral blush appliqué. The fabric was vaguely reminiscent of Victorian embroidery — but with a mock turtleneck and low-cut sides, the look was refreshingly modern.

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A look from across the New York Times at the forces that shape the dress codes we share, with Vanessa Friedman as your personal shopper.